Life of the Party

       The holidays are supposed to be about family, memories, celebration, and renewal. I got the news late last night that one of my previous students child unexpectedly passed away. This child was born two days before Taylor was, and they spent time in the NICU together. I cannot put into words what my thoughts are right now completely.     The first thing I did automatically was run up to Taylor and hug her tight. I could not imagine what it would be like if something suddenly happened to her. If I couldn't see or hear her laugh, could possibly destroy me. I'm not so sure I would make it very long without her. I have already had to endure the loss of one child and I know for a fact that I probably could not mentally get through that again. It's been 2.7 years ago and it still feels like it was yesterday. My former student was my only companion at the hospital during those hard weeks of extended stay right after Taylor was born.  Like my child hers ...

      I got home a little later than expected and that's okay. We spent our afternoon assembling some very rustic ornaments. I'm somewhat embarrassed with the overall outcome, but that is to be expected with a toddler. I'm so embarrassed that I will not be sharing our works of art.....     I'm not a crafty person, so I'm out of my element every time I even attempt anything like this. Getting out of my comfort zone is important to me and it's  important. I want to bring a little Christmas magic to Taylor. She deserves to have all the experiences that are possible. 

           Do you have a free night this week to really read and dive head first into yet another good book? This book is for you ladies! I was beyond pleased that Armentrout decided to write in the point of view of another female in Avery's life. In this book we get to see the world through Teresa's (Tess) eyes and what she has to deal with at college. Tess, Cam's younger sister had a boyfriend who would beat her constantly, and she hid it. Tess injures her ACL and all hope of becoming a professional dancer goes South.      Jayce helps Tess learn to trust again and to feel protected. We all need our own Jayce's in our lives. Jayce has his own baggage and we get to see what it's like to juggle having a child, college, and death of a first love. Seriously, where was I hiding to not know about this book series?  This book has it all: love, betrayal and lust.      I would rate this book a 5 out of 5! I sat and read this ...

      Christmas hasn't always been a time of enjoyment for me. Growing up in poverty did always afford us a happy holiday, especially as a young child. My family tried though and that means a lot. My dad always ended up wasted and ruined any holiday spirit that remotely  existed, so I hated that time of year. Addiction took most of what should have been rememberable.     As a parent, I plan to have a magical Christmas each and every  year! I want Taylor to grow up in a family that truly celebrates and has wholesome traditions. This year we will be decorating cookies and making homemade handprint ornaments. She won't remember it, but she will enjoy the experience.  Our Christmas List: 1. Cookies 2. Homemade Handprint ornaments  3. Christmas Lights 4. Decorating our second tree 5. Wrapping Presents  6. Christmas Pictures  7. Make Birdseed Ornaments for outside 

      I'm not so sure that I live a simple life, but I do know I live a fulfilling one. I love my small farm, small house, small family, and my small rural town. The simple half implies that there's no stress at all or that one could be ultimately stress-free. Honestly, that is a far-fetched idea and no one truly has that. Maybe it's a mindset?     Today the simple life means to me that when I leave work and drive home, I'm happy. I look forward to getting out of my car and hearing my toddler screaming mommy as I walk to pick her up. It's going to feed my goats and having they meet me at the fence ready for your scratches as well as feed. The simple life is walking through the field and having my two geese squall lovingly at me on my way to their small pond. The simple life could also infer that one has all their ducks in a row. I'm not so sure I have that either, but I have a spouse who is there for me no matter What, a job that I truly love, and a happy child....

      This is the book series I have been waiting for. I cannot believe I haven't read this yet. Where have I been hiding? I'm a devout Armentrout fan already, but this series is by far the most captivating. Why wasn't this book made into a movie? Girl, if you haven't read this book series, what is stopping you?     Avery's guarded main character energy kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what her next disastrous decision would be. She is/was faced with a terrible situation (rape) as a young teen and the audience gets to see how that shapes her as a young adult even attempting to end her life.      The story is spell binding as it unfolds. Love beyond hate and distrust of the male race. Cams enduring love and support helps guide her into making better decisions and healing from past emotional wounds including confronting her parents for taking a pay off to hide what had happened to her. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this s...